Description
How to make high protein creamy beef pasta with lean ground beef and tender pasta that comes together in under 30 minutes for a quick, nutritious dinner.
Ingredients
- Base & Protein:
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)
- 12 oz (340g) short pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Aromatics & Flavor Builders:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Finishing & Garnish:
- 1/4 cup (10g) fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta & Beef: Start by cooking your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Simultaneously, in a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef until no pink remains, then drain any excess fat. This sets the stage for our High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta.
- Sauté Aromatics: With the beef cooked, add olive oil to the skillet, then sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste for another minute until fragrant, ensuring not to burn the garlic.
- Build Sauce Base: Return the beef to the skillet. Deglaze with beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Create Creaminess: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese. Gently emulsify the sauce by stirring continuously until smooth and heated through. Avoid boiling after adding the cream to maintain its luscious texture for this High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta.
- Combine Pasta: Add the cooked and drained pasta directly into the creamy beef sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. Ensure every noodle is enveloped in the rich, savory sauce, creating a cohesive and satisfying dish.
- Garnish & Serve: Plate your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta immediately. Garnish generously with the remaining freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and savor this comforting, quick, and delicious meal. Enjoy!
Notes
Gently heat cream sauce on low heat, avoiding boiling, to ensure a luscious, unbroken texture. This prevents splitting.
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently, adding broth if needed.
Ground turkey (93% lean) can substitute beef; you may need extra olive oil for browning, ensuring good flavor.
Serve piping hot immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for best flavor and presentation.
Prepare the beef sauce up to 2 days ahead and store separately. Cook pasta fresh just before serving for optimal texture.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten